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Due to overwhelming demand, opening hours for The Art of Banksy Exhibition have been extended on 5 February to allow more people to see it before it leaves the country – some pieces never to be seen in public again.

The exhibition featuring 80 pieces by one of the most intriguing and talked-about artists in modern history, will remain open until 10pm. People who have pre-purchased tickets are urged to redeem them ASAP to avoid missing out as daily numbers are strictly limited.

Producer Stewart Macpherson from The Stetson Group says an extraordinary number of people have visited the exhibition this summer, making it one of the most successful art exhibitions New Zealand has ever hosted.

“We don’t want anyone missing out,” says Macpherson. “People will be able to come after work on those days plus it’s the weekend before Waitangi Day. Just saying, make it a long long weekend and visit Auckland and the exhibition!"

Macpherson says part of the reason he thinks the exhibition has been so successful is that Banksy’s messaging resonates with New Zealanders’ strong social conscience.

“As Kiwis, we’re not afraid to stick it to the establishment. To stand up for social justice. Make statements on global issues. Be a big voice in a small body. To me, Banksy encapsulates everything we stand for.”

The exhibition, curated by the artist's former manager Steve Lazarides, displays the largest collection of Banksy's works, including the famous painting of the girl with the red balloon, known as "Girl and Balloon", the controversial work "Laugh Now" – a famous graffiti piece that depicts a monkey with a sign hanging from his neck with the words: "Laugh now, but one day we'll be in charge."

On loan from private collectors from throughout the world, this $40 million collection offers a rare opportunity for New Zealanders to enter Banksy’s world.